As Sam gets older, I’d like to start the tradition of waking him up and letting him eat birthday cake in bed. How fun is that?!? I figured it might be best to start this when he’s out of a crib (especially a crib with adorable white elephant sheets) so we held off for now. :-) HA! He then spent his birthday with Grammy while Mommy and Daddy were at work. Sam received some special gifts from Grammy for his big day, including ADORABLE Fireman rain boots for future puddle splashing, a precious Monkey plate and sippy cup with floating bananas (his favorite food) and some new music instruments purchased from Ms. Annette, his Kindermusik teacher. Sam liked his Lollipop Drum and mallet the best! He can even drum on beat. Such talent! :-)
Grammy took him to the mall for his first ever carousel ride and then they enjoyed Chick-fil-A nuggets and a fruit cup together while they people watched (Sam’s favorite past time). :-) When Mommy and Daddy picked up Sam that afternoon, we got him ready to head to Chuck E. Cheese! Sam attended his buddy Will’s 2nd birthday party there the previous weekend and just loved all of the baby rides and fun things to see. We decided to take him back to celebrate his big 1 and even dressed him in a “1” onesie for the occasion. :-)
Sam enjoyed the cheese pizza and a few bites of Mommy’s salad and then opened up gifts from his parents and Mimi/Pops who met us there, along with Uncle Heater and Auntie Anna. Sam received some fun outdoor toys, including a golf set, t-ball set and bubble lawn mower. Mimi also brought him some adorable new Summer play clothes from Old Navy, Baby Gap and Gymboree. Mommy and Daddy gave Sam a few gifts before his party, including some Thomas the Train bath toys, Your Baby Can Read set, a push ball popper (which he LOVED!)...
...and a special book that Daddy picked out just for Sam.
Sam really loved the clock ride. Remember it from when you were little? I sure do!
I had planned for Sam’s REAL birthday to feel like an ordinary day. I had no idea how happy (and sad at the same time because he’s grown so fast) I would feel thinking about where I was a year ago welcoming him into the world. The next day, we went to see Dr. Miller for our 1 year check-up and shots. We learned Sam had shot up to 30 ½ inches (75th percentile!) and weighed in at only 20 pounds on the dot (13th percentile). Our precious boy has consistently stayed tall and lean since he was born and Dr. Miller assured us his growth was right on track and just perfect! She also checked in to ensure Sam was hitting all of his milestones appropriately and congratulated us on a successful first year. So thankful for a great 1 year check-up and healthy, growing boy! Mommy and Sam spent the following day preparing for his train birthday party with friends and family. Sam typically goes to Kids Day Out on Fridays, but was still a bit feverish from shots (and had a runny nose) so Mommy kept him home. We had a fun day spending time with Grammy, Grandpa, Auntie Anna and cousin Natalie. That evening, we took Sam to Sweet and Sassy for his FIRST HAIRCUT! Mommy researched the best place to take Sam, knowing we could have a meltdown on our hands if we didn’t plan ahead! I decided on Sweet and Sassy (even though it is a very girly place) because it is so kid-friendly and the stylists are used to working with little ones. They cut boys’ hair too and offer a “Baby’s 1st Cut” package complete with certificate, photo, pouch of hair and lollipop for the brave baby. :-) Sam did great with his cut and looked so cute in his black cape that said “Cool Dude.” Miss Kristen commented on how wonderful he was compared to the other little ones she sees throwing tantrums! He started to cry some when Mommy and Daddy had to hold his head straight so that the back and sides were even, but everything was okay when the birthday boy started singing after he got his lollipop. :-) His hands were incredibly sticky and he headed straight for bath time when we got home, but he sure did enjoy it! Sam looks like such a big boy with his new cut! Still long on top, but shaped up and Mommy thinks my little man looks SO HANDSOME! :-)
Saturday morning, we woke up early to begin preparations for Sam’s big train party from 11a-1p at Grammy’s house.
Luckily, the unpredictable March weather gave us sunshine and a high of 70! The day could not have been any more perfect for us. Daddy stayed behind with Sam so that he could take a good morning nap at home and feel well-rested for his big day. Mommy headed over to Grammy’s to get the train party rolling (bad pun- HA!). After some "Dining Car" treats, train rides and art, we showed a special video of Sam’s first year (so glad we had it put together... such wonderful memories!) and then it was time to blow out the candles and have cake! Sam just lit up when he looked around and saw everyone singing to him. He even started singing back! We were a little surprised that Sam did not dive into his smash cake. He was very well-mannered and proper about tasting it. He makes me laugh with his baby etiquette. How many babies do you watch chew with their mouths closed? Apparently, Mama did this as a baby, too. I guess he has inherited some of my good manners. Let’s hope they continue! Sweet boy. :-) Sam then opened his many thoughtful gifts from sweet friends and family including lots of new toys, clothes and books. Mimi and Pops gave Sam a special castle swing set and slide for our backyard and Mommy and Daddy gave Sam a new Cozy Coupe car that he looks precious “driving” through our driveway. Here are a few of our favorite photos from the party...
All of the little (and big) party guests seemed to have so much fun! My favorite comment was from Sam’s friend Caden (age 3) when he got in the car after the party- “Daddy, I can’t wait for Sam’s birthday party next year. He has the best trains.” :-)
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